Taylor Schmid seemed slightly worn out from jumping rope and running around as she sat on a curb eating her hamburger.

Ten-year-old Schmid was among about 700 Lawrence schoolchildren gathered Thursday in the J.C. Penney parking lot for Lights On After School, an event repeated elsewhere across the nation by the Afterschool Alliance to increase awareness about after-school programs.

“I think this is a lot of fun,” Schmid said.

It was the first year the local Afterschool Alliance and the after-school programs participated in Lights On, which included a benefit walk. Students raised about $3,000 by pledging to walk a mile at the event.

Organizer Al Hack, who serves on the boards of the Boys & Girls Club and the Afterschool Alliance, said he couldn’t have hoped for better turnout for the inaugural event.

“This gives a chance for kids to walk and be with their parents,” Hack said. “Plus, having all the kids out here I think helps raise awareness, and we were able to raise some money for the after-school programs.”

Eleven Lawrence elementary schools have after-school programs, and students from some schools go to the Boys & Girls Club after classes.

Nine of the 11 elementary schools have programs jointly run by Lawrence public schools, Boys & Girls Club and 4-H. The Afterschool Alliance comprises people from those organizations and others and continually works to raise money for after-school programs.

“We’re stable, for now, moneywise,” said Janet Murphy, executive director of the Boys & Girls Club of Lawrence. “We received some grants that really helped.”

Volunteer Diana Robertson, of Lawrence, directs Cordley students in the J.C. Penney parking lot. Robertson, along with the local Afterschool Alliance, helped organize a fund-raising walk Thursday afternoon to benefit after-school programs.

After-school programs indirectly receive funds from the city of Lawrence and Douglas County. The Lawrence school district received a $218,298 grant this summer awarded by the state for after-school programs.

Several businesses also contribute to the programs.

6News video: Boys & Girls Club celebrates “National Lights On Day” (10-15-04) Officials wrestle with after-school programs (09-02-04) Program showcases after-school activities (10-09-03) Afterschool Alliance